System Recommendations for Faculty

The following recommendations give minimum requirements, recommended, and advanced criteria for a computer for faculty at Thomas University. Recommendations are given for both Windows and Mac computers and for both laptops and desktops.

The minimum requirements represent the oldest and least powerful computer a student could use to access Blackboard and Collaborate which are required for all online and hybrid courses as well as for some face-to-face courses. As new technology is developed, the minimum requirements could change. A system meeting the minimum requirements may not be viable for much longer than one year.

The recommended system represents the least powerful system, and possibly the least expensive, that a student could purchase new. A system meeting the recommended requirements should be viable for 3-4 years.

The best system represents an additional investment to upgrade hardware components such as video, memory, processing speed, and storage. A best system should be viable for 5 years or more.

As always, check with your department or division chair before purchasing a computer as there may be additional requirements for some classes.